CHICAGO - The Allstate Arena and men's basketball game on Tues., Feb. 26, was the scene of a very successful evening for alumni, family and university officials to discuss the future plans of the DePaul Soccer Program. During the meeting the program received a pledge of $1,400 towards Kickoff 2002.

The gathering marked the first formal function of head coach Craig Blazer since athletic director Bill Bradshaw handed him the program on Nov. 19, 2001. Blazer was encouraged by the alumni and booster gathering and is excited about the future of the DePaul soccer program.

"I wanted to officially welcome everyone involved in the DePaul Soccer Program, present my plan for the future and discuss how we can operate and implement a better program," said Blazer. "The response was great and I'm encouraged that there are a number of people who care about the success of the program. We established an official alumni committee to serve as a link to facilitate communication with the university alumni, boosters and families. I want everyone to feel that this is their program and their school, and we should do everything we can to make it successful."

Any alumni or friend of the soccer program should contact the designated representatives to be a part of the Alumni Committee and confirm your name, address and email.

Alumni Committee1984-87 - Jack Cumminslawjjc@aol.com - (312) 464-9842

1988-92 - TBD

1993-96 - Chris Sellsell@mhslake.net - (773) 271-4076

1997-current - Joe Ahearnjahearn@ussoccer.org - (312) 808-1300

Family Coordinator - Bob KruseBkruse@peapod.com - (708) 354-0116

Next EventThe Spring Alumni Game will be the next event on Sat., April 20, at Moody Bible College.

Kickoff 2002Kickoff 2002 is the soccer program's new campaign drive initiated to help offset travel costs, recruiting and other expenses necessary to financially operate in Conference USA. Any size donation is greatly appreciated and additional information regarding the campaign will be available soon. Donations can be made out to the DePaul University Soccer Program and sent to: Men's Soccer Office, DePaul Athletic Center, 2323 North Sheffield Ave., Chicago, IL 60614.